Audi displays the e-tron concept car at the Silvretta Rally. Obviously there isn’t an electric R8 and won’t be, but Audi used the R8 as a platform for the powertrain, which is being developed and will be implemented into future cars. Check out the video:

In this episode, MegaFactories goes inside Audi’s production plant to see how Audi builds the R8 supercar. Check out the video below:

source: GermanCarForum

Audi recently released a new advertising campaign centered around the “Green Police” – a fictional police force focusing on environmental concerns (see video below.) A clever campaign that quickly backfired when one blogger pointed out that the Green Police was an unofficial name given to a group that was affiliated with Nazi persecution called the Ordnungspolizei. They were given the name Green Police by some because of the green uniforms they wore.

The term Ordnungspolizei, however, translates literally into “Order Police,” not Green Police. “Jeffrey Kuhlman, the chief communications officer for Audi of America, told AutoblogGreen that he personally talked to two Jewish leaders – Abraham Foxman, head of the Anti Defamation League, and Fred Zeidman, Chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum – about the green police ads and that they did not see a problem with the spot.”

Yet people are still quite up in arms about the ad campaign, to the point where Audi may have to pull it altogether. Despite the fact that Audi had done (what one would think was) more than enough research on the name and implications, there is still an outrage regarding the Green Police.

My thoughts? Get over it, people. It clearly has absolutely nothing to do with the Nazis, it’s “green” as in environmental. Why twist it around and make drama over something irrelevant? Check out the video below for a Green Police (the Audi version) ad:

Audi’s electric R8 we reported a few days ago is becoming more of a reality. An Audi microsite just appeared touting that on September 15, 2009, electricity, and all its force and power, will run wild and free and completely untamed.” ElectricityUntamed.com opens up to many interesting facts about electricity and a countdown timer to end on September 15, 2009, which happens to be the same day as the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Not much other information is given, but the dot-sketch at the end of the funny video below (and the screenshot above) hints heavily at a car based off of the R8. Check out the video below and wait a couple weeks for the Frankfurt Motor Show to find out what’s behind this.

UPDATE: Audi added another “viral” video on Youtube regarding the Electricity Untamed theme. Check it out below:

Can’t wait for the R8 5.2 V10? No problem, PES Tuning has your back. This tuning company has developed a supercharger system for the R8 4.2 to boost the power to an estimated 530 hp (110 over stock) and 415 ft/lbs torque (98 over stock.) While this may not exactly replace the R8 V10, at least it will create more power from the V8 version of the car.

The supercharger kit uses an Eaton M90 supercharger, a specialty-made intake manifold, and retuned ECU. It actually works on any of the 4.2-liter V8 Audi or VW engines, but the R8 is definitely the most exciting. So while we may be drooling over the upgraded R8, you S4 owners can be grinning smugly as you upgrade your car to the same 530 horsepower. Oh, and those power numbers are based on the $25,000 upgrade available. There are cheaper supercharger upgrades available as well, but seriously…who’s interested in that?

The video below shows the PES team driving the tuned Audi R8 around the streets. Pay special attention to how this things sounds. Personally, I like the low growl of the V8, but the addition of the supercharger certain adds a unique note to the mix. More pictures below the video:

AudiUSA Website Redesigned

Audi just redesigned AudiUSA.com, which doesn’t look as flashy as before, but offers more functionality and an overall simpler and nicer design. They’ve integrated tons of high-def video and very detailed CG of each car.

The website was designed to accommodate a wider range of shoppers, and allows visitors to better evaluate each car during research. The 3D CG models of each car are very detailed and explain all of the features of the vehicle. It will also allow visitors to search vehicles by transmission, body style, engine, mileage rating, and more. The website also makes Audi the first automotive brand to give you a free Carfax history report without you having to request one.

Here is a video with the CEO of Factory Design Labs, who launched the new Audi website:

Head over to AudiUSA.com

Audi’s recent advertisements have been successful at taking little stabs at competitor’s products. The latest commercial, which you can view below, is firing a direct shot at Ferrari. The video shows Audi’s new R8 V10 driving through the streets of Maranello, Ferrari’s home town. The Italians, seeing the Audi supercar drive by, are angered and shamed. Clever.

Check out the video:

via: GCS

Audi R8 Spider Convertible

Insiders at Audi have confirmed production of the R8 Convertible, probably to be released in 2011. The R8 Cabriolet (hopefully called a Spyder instead,) will most likely forgo the retractable hardtop, and instead use a fabric roof. We assume this because of the limited space in the rear from the R8’s mid-mounted engine, and from Audi’s previous use of fabric tops. Whether the convertible will receive the V8 engine from the original R8 or the upcoming 5.2-liter V10 is unknown at this time.

I am very against the idea of a convertible R8, regardless if it’s soft- or hard-top. Some cars simply should not be made into convertibles, and the R8 is one of them. I think the R8 is one of the best-looking cars on the road, but as a convertible it looks terrible. Some of the earlier shots I’ve seen of the R8 Spyder have been downright ugly, and a video of the prototype lapping a track has the car sounding great, but looking terribly awkward. The video is below.

Please Audi, don’t make this car.

Audi's New Dealerships Terminal Design

Between now and the end of 2010, Audi will be investing $1 billion in 30 new dealerships, which will be implementing their new “Terminal” design. Explained as “Efficient, sporty, luxurious, and environmentally conscious ‘terminal’ architecture for Audi dealerships echoes vehicle designs.” The new dealerships will focus on every aspect of design, from flowers to coffee cups.

They will be designed to minimize wasted space and use natural lighting, which will end up saving Audi 30-40% on expenses to run the dealership. The furniture and accessories within the dealerships are all custom made to match the terminal style as well. Each terminal dealership will individually apply for LEED certification, which will help them further increase efficiency in the future. Expect the first terminal dealers to open in Los Angeles and Atlanta, with others to follow.

More images and a video below:

Audi just released a new promo video for the R8 V10 (a.k.a Audi R8 5.2 quattro FSI V10.) The video is typical of the car driving around on an open road and includes a few interesting special effects. I’m sure the video will be playing in Audi showrooms around Europe, which us Americans are sitting here twiddling our thumbs waiting for the car.

As I’m sure you know, the R8 V10 has a 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine producing over 520 hp. The car can run from 0 to 60 in only 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph. These specs make it the fastest ever road-going Audi, and comes dangerously close to knocking the Lamborghini Gallardo directly on its ass.